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Diazepam inhibits cell respiration and induces fragmentation of mitochondrial reticulum
FEBS Letters
|November 14, 1983
Abstract:
Diazepam (70-150 micrograms/ml) significantly inhibits oxygen consumption by pig kidney embryo cells and causes the cellular ATP level to fall. The maximum inhibitory effect develops after 1.5-2.5 h of diazepam treatment. In isolated mitochondria diazepam inhibits respiration in state 2 and 3u with glutamate and in state 3u with succinate. Ethylrhodamine staining and electron microscopic study reveal fragmentation of mitochondria in living cells.
Insights
Diazepam significantly reduces oxygen consumption and ATP levels in pig kidney cells. This common drug also causes mitochondrial fragmentation, indicating cellular damage.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diazepam is a widely used anxiolytic and sedative medication.
- Mitochondria are crucial for cellular energy production.
- Understanding drug effects on cellular metabolism is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of diazepam on cellular energy metabolism in pig kidney embryo cells.
- To determine the effects of diazepam on mitochondrial function and morphology.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of pig kidney embryo cells with varying concentrations of diazepam (70-150 micrograms/ml).
- Measurement of cellular oxygen consumption and ATP levels.
- Assessment of isolated mitochondria respiration in different states.
- Mitochondrial morphology analysis using ethylrhodamine staining and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Diazepam significantly inhibited oxygen consumption and decreased cellular ATP levels.
- Maximum inhibitory effects were observed between 1.5-2.5 hours of treatment.
- Diazepam impaired mitochondrial respiration with both glutamate and succinate.
- Mitochondrial fragmentation was evident in diazepam-treated cells.
Conclusions:
- Diazepam adversely affects cellular energy metabolism in kidney cells.
- The drug's mechanism involves the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration.
- Observed mitochondrial fragmentation suggests diazepam-induced cellular toxicity.